Generative AI policies

The Journal of Learning and Educational Policy (JLEP), published by HM Publishers, recognises that generative artificial intelligence (AI) and AI-assisted tools are now widely available to researchers. This policy sets out how authors, reviewers and editors of JLEP may and may not use these tools. It follows the guidance of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and will be reviewed by the editorial board as practice in the field develops.

For authors

  • Permitted use. Authors may use AI tools to help improve the grammar, language and readability of their manuscript. All AI-assisted text must be checked and edited by the authors, who remain fully responsible for the accuracy, originality and integrity of the whole manuscript.
  • Disclosure. Any use of AI tools in preparing the manuscript must be declared in a short statement placed before the References section, naming the tool and describing how it was used. This statement will be published with the article. Routine spelling and grammar checkers do not need to be declared.
  • Authorship. AI tools cannot be listed as an author or co-author and cannot be cited as an author, because they cannot take responsibility for the work, approve the final version or answer for its accuracy.
  • Data, figures and images. AI tools must not be used to generate, fabricate or alter research data, images or figures. Where AI is part of the research method itself, it must be fully described in the Methods section, including the name and version of the tool.
  • Verification. The journal may ask authors for original data and may use similarity-checking tools during editorial assessment.

For reviewers

  • Manuscripts under review are confidential. Reviewers must not upload a manuscript, any part of it, or their review report into a generative AI tool.
  • The scientific evaluation and recommendation must be the reviewer's own work. Reviewers are responsible and accountable for the content of their reports.

For editors

  • Editors must not upload submitted manuscripts, review reports or decision letters into generative AI tools, as this may breach the confidentiality of authors and reviewers.
  • Editorial decisions are made by the editors and are not delegated to AI tools.

Breaches of this policy

Undisclosed or inappropriate use of AI tools will be handled under the journal's publication ethics policy and the relevant COPE flowcharts, and may lead to rejection, correction or retraction.

Questions about this policy can be sent to the editorial office at editorinchief.jlep@gmail.com.